“Eastleigh Good Neighbours have been making an enormous difference to the lives of many local elderly and disabled residents for nearly 25 years, by helping them shop, or get to their GP and hospital appointment, or just getting out to relatives or visiting the hairdresser. This year alone, the 25 volunteers in the group have carried out nearly 1000 tasks in the community for local people.”

“The work done by this dedicated gang of volunteers prevents social isolation and contributes to Eastleigh’s strong sense of community, where we look out for our neighbours.”

One 81 year old Eastleigh resident, who needs the Good Neighbours service to visit her husband in his nursing home, has backed Chris Huhne’s nomination, saying:

“I cannot praise them enough; they are so kind and helpful. They also cut my grass and weed the garden. I don’t know what I would do without them as I am 81 years old and have bad arthritis.”

Eastleigh Good Neighbour’s Chairman, Peter Cartwright said:

“With the help and support of new and existing volunteers, we hope to continue providing our services to residents of central Eastleigh into our forthcoming Silver Jubilee, and beyond.”

The group was formed in 1988 by the Eastleigh Council of Churches and is run as a not-for-profit group with grant funding from local organisations such as The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation.

All their clients live in Central Eastleigh and they currently have over 150 clients on our books, most of whom are elderly.

The charity says:

“Our services are offered to all those in genuine need of help regardless of age, financial or social status.”